The Ottoman Sultans were the rulers of the Ottoman Empire, which lasted from the late 13th century until the early 20th century. They held absolute power and were considered both political and religious leaders, often referred to as the Caliph in the Islamic world. The sultans were known for their opulent palaces, military conquests, and cultural patronage. Each sultan was part of a dynastic lineage, with the most notable being Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, who expanded the empire significantly in the 16th century. The sultans played a crucial role in shaping the empire's laws, administration, and architecture, leaving a lasting legacy in Turkey and beyond.